July 10, 2024

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ,

We graduated some beloved students this past week. It was a crazy, hectic week that left me running around like a chicken with my head cut off, not to mention that I had to take Julie to the airport and was thus left alone with Chloe (more on this later). But graduation is so much more than just walking down the aisle in fancy regalia and receiving a diploma…and much more than the week leading up to it…and much more than the big celebrations following it. No, graduation is the culmination of years of Biblical, theological, and practical study and work put in by both student and teacher. It is so awesome to see the change in students from when they arrive to when they graduate, and they all change so much. They don’t leave perfect, but I pray they leave better. They still don’t know everything (neither do I), they still aren’t the best preachers (neither am I, and most are better than me), they still make mistakes (so do I), and they still have a long way to go (and, yes, so do I). It is very satisfying to see their growth and to know how appreciative they all are when they leave for what they have learned. For me, I have only one goal for these students. OK, it’s one goal that leads to one result (is that really two goals?). I want them to know and love Jesus more, and as a result that they might minister the gospel better to believers and unbelievers. My goal for them is not more Biblical knowledge (although I do want this for them and they do get it), nor is it better theological understanding (although I also desire this for them and they do get it), nor is it more education (and, yes, they obviously leave with that). No, my goal is that they know and love Jesus better and can minister the gospel to people better because of it. I remind my students of that goal in every class whether it is hermeneutics, basic theology, or financial management. And now this graduating class is moving on to other things and my prayer remains the same: Lord, make them better ministers of Jesus, for the glory of Your name and for the good of Your people. I am sad to see this class go because I will miss spending time with them, but I am happy that better ministers of Jesus have graduated. I ask youto pray for these beloved students by name: Simon Wakaba, Stephen Kamau, Rachel Gatobu, John Victor Okawa, Kanaiyo Arem, Yoyce Wangari, Margaret Ngeiryo, John Gitonga, Gideon Kithuka, Augustus Mwanthi, Asifiwe Precieux, Jiresse Kabala, Rachael Mbithe, Steven Kasereka, David Mundeke, Christine Njoki, Joshua Mutuku, Joel Mwongela, Winrose Echelel, Samuel Mwangi, David Ndungu, Robert Amisi, and Abednego Muluki.

Julie is in the States for a month visiting our children and parents. Oh, no, what am I going to do without her? Chloe and I are left here alone in her absence. I’m sure Chloe will be getting very tired of me very soon. Every day she asks me, “Is mommy coming home tomorrow?” I keep telling her, “No, it’s going to feel like a very long time and then, all of a sudden, she’ll be back.” You all can pray for Chloe and me as we face the long month together and you can pray for Julie as she faces the rigors and strangeness (yes, after being away for sixteen years it can feel strange to us now) of the United States without us.

You know, after reading back through this newsletter, I realize I am the King of Parentheses (something should go here but I cannot think of what).

Blessings to all,
Roger, Julie, & Chloe

CONTACT INFO

Roger & Julie Tate
Moffat Bible College
P.O. Box 70
Kijabe, Kenya 00220
rojuta@gmail.com

For ministry donations:
Pastor George Sledd, Treasurer of BFM
P.O. Box 471280 | Lake Monroe, FL 32747-1280
or click here to donate to BFM online.